Friday, May 26, 2006

The Split Leafed Philodendron is known for its tropical oversized leaves with what appears to be cuts within them. It is also known as the Swiss cheese plant. I have found the Split Leaf Philodendron to be a low maintenance house plant. The one thing to watch with this house plant is that due to its oversized foliage and the ability to grow in large proportions, you may need to stake the stems.

The Split Leaf Philodendron prefers medium lighting, so it is best to keep this plant located within 5 to 8 feet of a window. However, be careful when choosing the location for this house plant because once you have placed it somewhere it does not like to be moved. This house plant has an attitude of its own, because if you then move it to another location it may drop its leaves in revolt to your moving it. Also, if the light level is to low, the leaves will not develop their unique perforations.

The Split Leaf Philodendron requires moderate watering. Water once every 7 to 10 days. Most do not seem to mind being dry once in a while either. Water thoroughly, keeping the soil evenly moist to.

If the lower leaves begin yellowing you may not be giving the plant enough light or over watering it. While the Split Leafed Philodendron is generally pest-free, aphids, mealy bugs, scales and spider mites can infest them. If this occurs simply spray a dish soap and water mixture over the plant.

On a special note, this houseplant is one of the many poisonous houseplants found in people's homes. Please be extra careful so that your pets or children do not eat the plant.

I have a philodendron and it started growing these long brown stem like root things off of some of the branches. I am not sure what they are, if they are new branches or roots, but they don't look like branches they just keep getting longer and branching out more without ever getting leaves. What are these strange growths?

I love my plant and want to keep as healthy as possible. So basically I'm suppose to water it every 7 to 10 days, not move it and make sure it gets good light but not too much. Is that right? Also what does it mean to stake the steams?

In terms of care information, you got it. Now for staking. Mine is not staked and now it is out of control. My picture is over 2 years old. My split leaf philodendron now is about 5 feet wide all around. You can stake the larger stems up in order to keep it in control.

does any one know why my philo... split leaf would have black spots on the leaves ...searched on here an haven't founf the cure or any one else haviung the same problem ...all i can think of iss root rot...please help before it is too late.........

I have a split leaf philodendron that I love; but it has been a very long time since a large leaf has emerged. Only small leaves unroll and rarely do they have splits. I would love for this plant to get large and impressive. What am I doing wrong?

Hello I'm DartI too have a huge split leaf but mine is planted out by the barn and it is 7 foot tall and 5 to 6 foot around it is beautiful this is my problem it has a second part that is laying on the ground that is 5 foot long and turns up on the end it is 3 feet high I want to take this extra part off do I just cut it with a chainsaw or axe its about 7-8 inches around I would like to replant it somewhere else thanks

This is a question I am needing help with as well, however mine is indoors. I had posted a call out to my readers titled Help With My Split Leafed Philodendron. One reader posted the following commment: "I have taken several successful cuttings from my split leaf plant. I cut so I have several leaves on the cutting, I make sure there are some short nodes on the cutting. In water these nodes turn into roots. I just put it into regular hard water from the city tap. I wait a couple weeks to see growth and then let roots get substantially long before transplanting. The cut part of the plant starts to regrow where it had been cut. I have taken some cuttings half-way down and everything grew back fine."

I think mine finally died! My split leaf philodendron was inherited from my sister who bought it for her apartment a year before her death in 1978. Yep! 31 years! It has been kept outdoors in a large planter ever since then. This year, before it's spring re-emmergence, I re-potted it in fresh Miracle-Gro potting soil. It's been over 3 weeks of 70-degree weather with no sign of life (sigh).

I have a split leaf philodendron that is about 25 yrs. old. I refuse to put it in a larger pot. It is in a yard tub (with 2 rope handles) so that I can move it outside in the Summer. I bring it inside again in Oct. The plant is about 5x5' or more. Some of the leaves are turning pale and I have the feeling that it is root bound. Could this be? It also has many of those brown roots and is getting many new starts. Help. Do I have to repot it? I use Osmocote for fertilizer. I live in Summit county, Ohio. bc

I have had my splitleaf since 1994, it traveled from Michigan with me in 2001, did not grow bigger for a while, moved to a place where the window are big and it is now in a 50lb root bound pot. since 1994 it has grown 2 stalks totaling 4 and they are 2-3 inches around and about 3ft tall but covers a spot of 5ft and growing. Since being root bound it has grown 5 shoots that are now about a ft tall. I am afraid to cut it and cannot repot by myself. I found after several months a pot that will hold it, with about 75lbs of dirt, but what else do I use to repot it?

I have a beautiful split leave bush that I have recently cut and starting an experimental project see how it does... but a while ago i was givin a split of another one to which it seemed to be the same as the "split leaved philodendron" but this one almost two years old has done nothing but grow upward... so what is this vine called? Does it take the same care, can i remove the external roots the same? Thank you! Emerald.

There are 2 different philodendrons being discussed here. One type is a vine with small (2-3" leaves) on it. The other is the split-leaf philodendron that can grow into a huge plant with a tropical palm type of stem/trunk.

Well my experimant is taking really good... I took One slipping of my motherin laws Philo and started my own not sure if it would take... well its alomost 2 years later and is about a foot tall with 4 leafs. The leafs are starting to get bigger and bigger as they bloom, BUT none of them have splits in them, i do believe it will when they get older, but as for the vine, i have snipped the outter support roots, and so far its doing good... I would love to hear from someone who has a Philodendron Vine, They are so beautiful and get so big....They are also splitting two leaves a month,,,love it!!! Emerald

Help!! I've got a big beautiful SLP but recently the leaves have started to go yellow and then black. I haven't moved it, re potted it or change the watering schedule at all. Any idea's what could be causing this? It's in a medium lit area and appeared to love it until now.

hello. I have a couple split leaf philo's.(or at least I think they are) pretty possative though. One is at least 30 yrs old. and the others are plants I removed from the oldest ones pot that just appeared up from the soil. all are growing great but I have NEVER seen any of them flower.. this is the cause for my wonder if it is even split leaves. what helps inspire flower growth? and also.. how do they reproduce? I have read about cutting and such but I need more info on how and when to make cuttings... thanks.

I have had a split leaf philodendron for several years and leave it outside year round in zone 8 Texas. Frost kills the leaves but then it comes back. Is to big to repot but have new starts coming from old stalk. Can they be cut off and restarted? Has never flowered.

Hi drayasYes i have watered it more frequently.. the poor plant had been watered too little for a while and desperately needed a bigger pot. So i guess now i have over watered it? I will remove the fungus and water the recommended once a week/ 10 days --

do these plants appreciate the occasional splash with organic food/ fertiliser?

Yes, these are simply external roots that the plant grows. I simply cut them off because they grow all over. It is not a sign it needs to be repotted. Just some extra roots the plant generates almost like anchors.

I love my SLP and have had it for about 7 years now. My concern is, as with a lot of my house plants, is they grow crooked and branch out really weird. My poor SLP is so top heavy the entire plant is now drooping down and I don't know how to control it without hurting it. Do I just cut it all back and restart? It is a VERY healthy plant! Thanks for any advice.

I have inherited a very old split leaf philodendron (monstera) that my grandmother propagated from a "slip" that she was given on a visit to a local (Milwaukee) conservatory back in the 30's or 40's. My mother inherited the plant, but has been unable to give proper care to her plants and the poor thing has become spindly and droopy, with leaves that are are not splitting, and have poor coloration (leaves are green, but not the deep shiny quality that I remember as a child). I brought it home, and am wondering what I can do to save the plant, and propagate it so that I can pass it along to my children. Above all, I don't want to kill it - but suspect that it could use a repotting, some fresh soil and fertilizer. I'll be thrilled with whatever suggestions that you can offer.

In terms of controlling this plant, I am in need of help just like my readers. Mine (pictured above) had grown to around 5 ft by 4 ft and just took up to much space. So I gave it a major haircut and trimmed it way back. I then tried to train it to vine up a pole. I will try and post a picture. Overall, the plant is still healthy, however looks funny. I did this about 1 month ago, so not sure of the complete effects.

If any of my readers has tips on keeping these plants under control in size, please share!!!

It is truly spring in Colo. Mr Phillip Albert Dendron moved outside today. He is about 8ft in around and 5 ft tall.

I have a Monsteria that is well over 50 yrs old and came down from Canada. My son has a cutting. The original plant has been repotted twice over the years and eac time went into shock for about a month.

i have Split leafs outside. Some are growing big while others not taking and are yellowing. When a stem and leaf turns yellow or black do you remove the leaf or the entire stem. Also, I water it everyday about a gallon (arizona) is it getting enough or too much water?

I have been able to successfully develop several split leaf philos off of one plant, but some of my plants have very skinny, flimsy leaves which seem to be growing in every direction possible. Can you please tell me how to correct this problem, or whether I need to prune the plant? Thank you so much!

All, as Drayas has explained, the long brown 'arms' are anchoring or support roots. They allow the plant to stabilize itself naturally. These plants like to wander or climb and the arms will actually burrow into soft bark to gain support! To control the plant just cut the excess length once or twice a year, too often will weaken the plant and it may 'give up'. Soft leaves generally mean too much moisture same as brown spots. Try letting it dry out for a couple weeks (2-3) before watering again. Happy cultivating! Xplorr

I'm glad someone got it exactly right: this plant has very signature attitude! The good thing: it's extremely low-maintenance. Mine hit it's ten-yr birthday and decided to bloom for the first time this Spring.

The best tips for anyone having problems, particularly those who've indoor potted philos,' water only when dry (means feel the soil), and as previously noted, do not go overboard at all w/ miracle grow and such (literally, one cup of such fertilizer on top of plain soil is enough, once a year, as spring begins.

Mine has always done well wedged in corners of rooms which have large windows, but not direct light. Try using very sheer curtains which do let some degree in. Also, believe it or not, Eastern light (at sunrise) seems fine as it's the least harsh, whereas mid-day direct light will fry the leaves.

If the plant is propped up higher than floor level, the leaves also will have less chance of this frying effect and will gravitate iin the direction toward soft light. Mine has liked the lightest-colored rooms too, the young leaves shooting up toward the ceiling of white rooms. It has accompanied me through five moved, so don't underestimate it's potential to pick up and go with you!

Hello! As has been mentioned, monstera deliciosa is NOT a philodendron. HOWEVER, although Philodendron selloum (see above post by Fr3d) is a common name TRUE split-leaf philodendrons are sold under these days....it is actually NOT the proper name. That would be Philodendron bipinnatifidum. Bipinnatifidum (and selloum, which it was named TWENTY years later: 1832/1852) are the SAME species, a bit different in variation. My Philodendron bipinnatifidum is a houseplant four months a year, but lives outside the rest of the time. A few years back it was so large (8'x8') I decided to cut it off, as it was outgrowing its allotted indoor space. Happy to report that subsequently "she" produced nine babies. The "mom" is 30+ years old, but I wasn't aware (until doing research today) that these plants "bloom".....mine never has. Philodendron bipinnatifidum WILL climb, contrary to some reports. Drayas, your monstera deliciosa is lovely! :)

I have a monstera in my backyard it currentlyhas 5 blooms for the first time. It is 8 yrs old For it's first 2 years of life after it was plantedit dropped all of it's leaves. Thought it was a goner. But 6 years ago one leaf turned into three and it was well on it's way. The truck is now 10 inches tall and leaves are about 18 inches long. It had ariel roots traveling across my walkway but did not cut them. Just pulledthem from the plant. About 48 inches long. It was exciting to see the blooms open for about4 days.

i have a big question about this wonderfull plant i think i killed mine i just repotted it it was so big i spit it into two root balls planted them in two pots one plant looked fine but the other with in one hour the some of the leaves started turning black did i kill it

I don't know if my plant is a true SLP, or monstera, but it has done VERY well in its location between two south facing windows that get filtered light (we live IN a redwood forest). But now I have a 15+ft main stem, an 8-10ft. stem and a couple of 5 footers, plus side-branches. The long stem develops small to medium leaves that generally don't last very long before dying back. But, it produces healthy larger leaves at the end. I nip off most of the aerial roots, because they're over a dining table.

My question is: Is my plant at risk if I cut the long stalk WAY back? I was thinking of cutting it back to where the last side-branch comes off (about 10ft. worth).

I have cut of large diameter "branches", or side-stems and replanted (with aerial roots) directly into potting soil with success and no obvious harm to the "mother" plant. What do you think?

BTW, once or twice per year I put 2-3 plant-food stakes into the soil and it has done quite well, despite my meddling!

For any trouble with your SLP use a capful of SuperThrive to a gallon of water..water your plant. Within a day you'll see your plant perk up! Wipe off any fungus and keep plant in indirect light. Hope this helps.

Hi I was given a split leaf philodendron. I it has five stems and only a few leaves. When I got it it was very limp from lack of water. I repoted it and gave the soil a good soak. I also cut back some of the stems. They didn't have leaves on them. I put the cuttings in water and the nodes have produced roots. Will the leafless stems grow leaves? Also the leaves on the stems are not springing back and the one or two good leaves are turning yellow. What can I do with this plant? The stems are firm and look healthy. I have it in a window where it gets 2to 3 hours of morning light is that too much or not enough light? I also read that it doesn't like to be moved this poor plant got moved twice before it came to me. Is there any hope at all for this plant? Lynn

I have a very large split leaf philodendron that is at least 28 years old. In early spring we take it outside and bring it in around first frost. I always cover it if it's going to be outside in below freezing temps. It has gotten quite large and takes up a considerable amount of room in the house. In reading these posts, I notice that some people leave theirs outside all year. What can I do to insure that my plant doesn't die during the winter? I was thinking of maybe mulching to help protect the roots. I live in the Atlanta area. The plant belonged to my sister who passed away 18 years ago so it has a lot of sentimental meaning. I would hate it if I killed it.Thanks.

Hello split leaf lovers! I have noticed a couple of postings about some leaves that are aquiring brown or black spots on them.From my own experience I have found that this is due in part to water quality. Some tap water is different from others and once i switched to a "softer" water I no longer had a problem with spots or yellowing of the leaves. While sunlight is always a major factor, this simple solution almost instantly rejuvenated my beautiful plant back to its full, glossy green potential!

Can anyone please tell me if it matters what time of year you do trimming to your split leaf?? I want to trim off a couple of really wild stems and those long brown root things but because it is winter and really cold right now, I am afraid i might put this tropical plant into shock. please help asap!!!!

I just transplanted my SLP because I thought the brown roots meant that the plant had outgrown it's container. So I transplanted it into a bigger container and added miracle grow soil. Now that I have read some comments I am worried that the miracle grow soil will kill SLP? Would you suggest that I replace the miracle grow soil with plain soil?Thanks, Robyn

I have 2 SLP, both close to 11 years old. One has 3 woody stems, and is quite upright on its own. The other has five stems, but the are growing everywhere. How do I stake it? Do I wait for the stems to get higher, or something else? Also, the older leaves are turning brown, but none of the new ones are. Is this because I just repotted it (first time for repotting)? Any advice greatly appreciated!

I have a big leave philodendron i have it outside in a pot. It looked like it was out growing the pot so me and my husband put it in a bigger pot. After we did all the leaves feel off. Now there is new geen leafs starting to sprout. But I did notice this new pot was holding to much water.so i took the water holder of the bottom and all the exses water drained. I hope it will live and i wanted to know if any one else has ever had this to happen . If so did the plant live

I have experimented with a 30-year old Philodendron Monstera. The first cutting i cut off below the node and placed it in water, waiting for substantial roots to start growing. The other cutting i cut below the node also, but placed it directly in a pot. I've found letting a fresh cutting sit in water until sufficient roots grow, then potting it, it grows much better and faster. I did both at the same time and the one in water now has 5 leaves, one all split-leafed....the other, 4 leaves and much smaller leaves with no splits. Just some info incase some of you readers might want to know.

Dear Sir,I have a split leaf that is about 7 yrs old.When i got it,it was planted in mud.I transplanted it in potting mix and it took off.How ever the bottom of the stem was only about a 1/2 in in diamenter,but now from about a foot up it has gotten to about an 1in and bigger.I would like to like to break it at about the 1 foot level and re-root it.Is there a certain place to do this and how?

I would make sure to find an area below an aerial root/node to cut it off of for the best possible results. If you just cut it off with no nodes or aerial roots the chances of success are not NEAR as good. Make sure to keep it in a bright/indirect lighting too. I pretty much know all there is too know when it comes to these plants so if thats not wat you wanted to know just hit me back.

Hello all, my 30+ year old SLP is doing well next to some very large windows facing the west. It is about 5' wide and about 4' tall and it has obviously outgrown it's container. I'm sure the roots have taken over the container, but it doesn't appear to be a problem. However, I'm concerned in time it may become a problem because the plant is so large for the pot. Will I be faced with having to repot it? Also,I 've read through many of the comments and I consistently hear that SLP should only be watered every 7 to 10 days. I water mine every 2 or 3 times a week. Only I do not use a lot of water. Is it possible it works well for my SLP because it needs more water because the pot is a bit small for the plant? Or, should I change to water only once a week? Like many of you our SLP is sentimental to us as it belonged to my husbands parents when they moved into their first home and bought the plant to fill a spot in their living area when they couldn't afford furniture. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

Hello,I need help.I don't don't know the first thing about plants, but I recently got a split leaf philodendron and I'm trying to care for it... not successfully. I didn't know who to ask and just know thought of the internet.I think I overwatered it because the leaves turned yellow, then brown, then fell off, and some white, fluffy fungi started growing on top of the soil. I scraped the fluffies out and let it dry. About a week ago I moved it to a larger pot (it was still in the plastic one it had come in) and started watering it again (not nearly as often as before) and also gave it a few drops of fertilizer. But even though the stalks looked green and relatively healthy, it didn't show any signs of new leaf growth. Now, even the stalks are starting to droop! What do I do?? Help, please!

My split leaf philodendron is just a baby, has only 7 leaves at this point, and is in a rather small pot, i'd say about the diameter of a 4L milk jug and about 8 inches deep. Is this going to be big enough? I'm scared to transplant it to a bigger pot because these plants sound a little temperamental and I don't want to kill it! Help!

Hi Split Leaf lovers! I am new to this game and have two questions. First, a leaf with a good stem. Will it root in water or soil? Next, and ancient science teacher said to add egg shells to the soil to promote more splitting. I am apprehensive to try with out some other verification.Bye!

I'm looking for some advise. I have a 10 year old split leaf. He was big and beautiful and I moved him about 3 years ago and now he's not getting as much light and the leaves started growing smaller and un-split.

A few weeks ago I moved him to a sunnier spot and cut off the top and replanted it so that the bottom would be fuller. The new shoots are doing good but where I cut the main stem is now moulding!

Does anyone know any way to propagate a split-leaf Philodendron from just the leaf and the leaf's stem (petiole)? A friend, evacuating from her home that the Colorado High Park fire destroyed, grabbed it as she was packing up a few precious items as it was a plant her Grandmother had over 50 years ago. I'm afraid there's not much I can do...but I told her I would try. Any ideas?

hi,i am the proud owner of a 50 year old slp. i call it bernard from its former owner. when i adopted him he had only three leaves and looked close to calling it quits. wih tlc and love, he now has 30-40 big leaves up above, beutifully split. however,it also have 40 plus leaves growing up near the soil. they r only 3-4 inches in size and are shaped like a spade, no splitting at all. i am confused how one plant can have two varieties of leaves.he is under flourescent lights in the basement and has been in the same place for years. he gives me new leaves every couple of weeks. very prolific and seems very happy.are the double styled leaves notmal for the slp? please someone tell me if they have the same type of leaves growing at the base of their plant. he has so many aerial roots growing all over and i prefer to leave them, figuring if he produced them, they must serve a purpose ;)thanks to allgeorge

My Swiss Cheese Plant has produced many very long ariel roots in the few years since I grew it from a cutting. Some are over 2 metres long!Read a comment that I can safely remove them. Can I just break them off from the stem? Some have actually rooted themselves in another plant pot!

I have a beautiful split leaf philodendron that I bought in Oct. 2012. There did not seem to to be anything wrong with the plant for the first few wks of being in my home, it seemed to be adjusting well. But a day after being home I noticed water drops on the tips and around the edges of some of the leaves ( I thought that the plant was sweating) :-). Well after maybe 2wks of being home I noticed that (one) leaf had a black spot on it about the size of a quarter. After a few more days the spot had grown to double it's size. Now the new leafs that come in are all dead-looking before they ever have a chance to open up! The plant sits in my living rm. about 15ft from a window that get nice afternoon sunshine.I water it about every 7 - 8 days. The tempture in here is between 65 & 75 degrees & I live in Buffalo NY.Can anyone help or give me suggestions, I don't want this to take over my plant.

I have a slp for about 3 years a friend of mine bought her one and was letting it die. i took it home repoted made 2 plants gaveher one back and now i have 4 potted plants. I just pull pieces out when it get to big and the origanl plant grow even bigger.

I have a Split Leaf in my office I think it has bugs I' am not sure how to get rid of them I really don't want to spray poison on it but it giving the new leaves the lil bubble looking things on the back side and down the stem. I can run my finger nail across it and it will slide off, brownish in color doesn't look like a bug but it must be some kind of creature?

I was given a split leaf philodendron a couple years ago as it wasn't splitting for the lady that had it. It has been growing huge split leaves here, but the last while the leaves are deformed. They are curly and bent over as well as not uncurling properly and are smaller. Do you have any idea what could be the issue could be?

I have a large monsterea phily. He is doing very well. I live in Wisconsin so he stays indoors year round. My question is:: I know they like to climb, so if I put up a lattic next to him will he climb it ?

Debra I just brought a slp from Lowe's had it setting outside by a dryer vent blowing out hot air which I forgot about, wondering if that causes a few of my leaves to turn brown and dry. At first I thought maybe a fungus or something was going to take it back to store.,daughter replanted in larger pot with miracle soil, left outside still but on the other side of porch. No change maybe to much sun. In bedroom now leaves are crying what's going on to hot in room not enough light or something strange. about 1ft tall in size now tell me what to do please. Northern California

I have a slp about 2mos old and 1 foot tall some leaves dry brown brunt like colors been repotted and has what a call tears coming down the tips of leaves. What's wrong? Need help plz, should I be worry?

I use Miracle Grow soil for all my indoors, including my 2 SLP, and have no problems. I have killed things using the additive version of Miracle Grow that you mix into water. The soil is slow release. Just be sure to let the pot dry almost completely before soaking again.

I just purchased mine about 8 months ago. I replanted, treated for bugs and have been waiting for healthy growth. I'm having to cut out browned leaves often. I also noticed there s grey dusty looking mold on the last leaves I cut out.

my split leaf philodendron is more than 30 years old and has been health by now the tips of the leaves are starting to turn very light green, I'm hoping they are not on the way to becoming yellow, but why the sudden change?

I have one on my deck. It is extremely healthy and happy looking, but it has sent runners or roots down 10 feet to the ground. Are these air roots? I repotted the plant in a larger pot in case this was a sign of cramping, but I left the runners. What do you think?

I have an indoor split-leaf philodendron houseplant that was given to me in 1968 when my youngest daughter was born. It is still thriving indoors and I have re-potted it only twice during it's 47 years. In our new condo on the 16th floor with great light it is enthusiastically growing large split-leaves. May the "old girl" live on and thrive!

I bought my split leaf philo about 6 months ago, watered it every week, and had it 5 ft from a window. It was gorgeous...cut to going out of town for 2 months and left it in the care of a roommate and infrequent watering. I returned to a sickly yellow and brown edged plant. There are 4 healthy leaves. Should I cut the yellow ones off and essentially start over? Fertilizer? Please help!

I have a mini philly, for want of a real name. It's happy, healthy and root bound. It's an inside plant gets great light from a skylite & all around.It is root bound & has been for a couple years. About every 10 days I set it in a container & pore a litely fertilized pot of water into the pot. The water runs right thru however I let the plant sit several hours in the container of water then drain it & place in its original happy place. I keep it cleaned up & don't let it get too leafy. It gets a shower every so often & looks beautiful all the time. It's twice had a bout with mealys but cleaned them out. Best & happiest plant I've ever had. Lynn

I have a SLP which I keep inside in the winter and outside in the summer. Well I had taken it outside a couple off weeks ago, weather was beautiful, and the temperature dropped one night, and it got frost bit. The pot has 4 stocks and had 15 large beautiful leaves but all but 3 have died off. This plant is over 25 years old, acquired it back in the 80's. Will it come back???? The top center of each stock had new growth but that may have gotten bit also!!! I am sick.

I inherited a split leaf and chopped it up into about 10 plants. I use rooting hormones and root them water. Then I plant them on miracle grow. They grow like weeds with light and some fertilizer. I water them once a week and feed them once a month. I an going to have to stake them as they are taking over the window. Summer is the most fin with new leaves coming out about every two weeks.

My split leaf Philly is definitely a vining plant. It vines exactly like my regular Philly does, but on a much larger scale. My plant is about 2 years old, and is 6' wide. The stalks are much too thick to drop over the side of the pot. They are growing straight out as of now, but I suspect as they grow longer they will start to drop down over the side of the pot, but as the stalks are so thick and hearty, it wouldn't surprise me if the weight were to snap the stalk.